Poe backs suspension of full cashless payment system on expressways
Sen. Grace L. Poe (Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)
MANILA, Philippines – Sen. Grace Poe backed the move of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon to suspend the implementation of the Toll Regulatory Board’s (TRB) full cashless payment system on expressways.
“The no-cash scheme is ideal, but it cannot be imposed until operators can guarantee that all defects in the system are fixed, such as malfunctioning booms, unreadable stickers and broken RFIDs (radio-frequency identification). There should also be an option for motorists to pay in cash for unforeseen circumstances,” Poe said in a statement on Sunday.
“The new DOTr secretary is heading in the right direction when he suspended the roll out of the full cashless payment on expressways,” said Poe, who once headed the Senate committee on public services.
READ: Prove RFID devices reliability before fining drivers – Poe
The TRB previously said it will require that all vehicles passing through expressways be equipped with RFIDs to pay toll fees in a cashless system beginning March 15.
Article continues after this advertisementREAD: New DOTr chief Dizon suspends full cashless payment on expressways
Article continues after this advertisement“With the remaining issues regarding the electronic toll collection and operation unaddressed, the no-cash system might just unduly punish motorists,” Poe said.
Support from ICT advocates’ party-list
Similarly, the Computer Literacy, Innovation, Connectivity and Knowledge (CLICK) party-list expressed support for Dizon’s move.
In a statement on Friday, CLICK called the implementation of the RFID system “premature,” also citing technical issues like faulty barriers and “unreliable” top-up mechanisms.
“These systemic flaws have led to traffic congestion, unwarranted penalties, and frustrations among motorists,” CLICK said.
“The decision of Secretary Dizon to prioritize system improvements before any mandatory implementation is a welcome move and a victory for Filipino motorists,” the group said.
